Perth Wildcats Terrico White will wait before deciding to re-sign with NBL champions

Camera IconThe Perth Wildcats join owner Jack Bendat in celebration of their NBL title during the reception in Forrest Place yesterday.Picture: Picture: Michael Wilson

Grand final MVP Terrico White will wait until later in the year before deciding whether to return to the NBL next season.

White arrived at the Perth Wildcats this season after previously playing in the US, Serbia, Turkey, Israel, Russia and South Korea.

The 29-year-old stepped up to be the chief scorer throughout the finals where he averaged 21.6 points from six matches against the Brisbane Bullets and Melbourne United

He formed a potent combination with 2016-17 grand final MVP Bryce Cotton, where their strong relationship, on and off the court, proved a formidable bond.

White said he enjoyed his time in Perth, but it was too early to make a commitment on his plans beyond this season.

“It’d be possible to come back,” he said.

“We’ll sit down and talk with management at some time.

“You never want to commit too early in case a much better deal comes along later on.

“I’ll take my time and see what options I have.”

White received several offers from around the world before deciding to play for the Wildcats this season. He attracted attention after winning the Korean Basketball League grand final MVP award and his dominance of the NBL play-offs is certain to pique the interest of clubs who missed out on securing his services.

White said he would focus on finding a club to join for Australia’s winter before considering any other deals.

“It’s all about timing at the moment,” he said.

“I need to find someone to play where it won’t overlap with other seasons. I can go to places like China and the Middle East.

“I like to play. I don’t like to take too much time off. I prefer to play games.”

White’s wife Tye travelled with him to Australia, but his daughter Tamiya remains in America with her mother. White hasn’t seen his daughter since August.

He said it was important to consider his family before he made a decision, but conceded the Wildcats had already had a huge impact on his life and the championship was better than what he’d experienced in Korea.

“This year was better for me than last year,” he said.

“This year, everyone doubted us and said we couldn’t win because we only had two imports. Other people wanted us to have three.

“Then we had injuries and had to fight through that, but everyone committed to each other and that was why we won the championship. There were no egos in the team and that was great to be a part of.”

White was among the players to receive a huge ovation when he spoke to adoring fans on stage in Forrest Place late yesterday.

Fans flocked to the city to pay homage to the Wildcats after they secured their ninth NBL title by beating Melbourne on Sunday.